The ≪stinging≫ egg of Clavopsella michaeli (Berrill) (Hydrozoa, Cnidaria)

Abstract

The bougainvillid hydroid Clavopsella micbaeli produces clubshaped female gonophores each bearing up to eight large eggs. These eggs are covered by a single layer of isolated cnidocytes in close contact with the oocyte membrane. These cnidocytes have fully‐developed microbasic curytele cnidocysts always in functional position, with the cnidocil apex pointed outwards. The cnidocysts constitute a defensive ≪stinging armor≫ protecting the large eggs.

Key words:

• Hydrozoa
• Cell association
• Oocytes
• Cnidocytes